With a superb away performance and win at Brentford last week the players went into this fixture with confidence and belief that they could get something out of this game against a very good young Ipswich side. The team made a couple of changes to the side to give other players a run out and the performance was once again excellent. Training all week had been very good with high tempo sessions and players demanding that each other work hard for the team.

The team started the game brightly moving the ball around well with some positive forward passes causing Ipswich problems with their movement and rotation all over the pitch. On 14 minutes their play was rewarded when some good build up through the middle of the pitch led to the ball being passed out wide to Under 16, Alfie Cain, who had a first time shot that took a deflection off the Ipswich full back and went in over the goal keeper. Ipswich started to come into the game but the shape and attitude of the young Bees to work hard for each other restricted any chances they tried to create. After a succession of corners, which in general were defended very well, Ipswich equalised with a header, on 31 minutes giving Jack Stevens no chance in goal.

At half time the players were told to continue to press and get the ball down and play, and to work hard on getting back into shape and not allow them to make passes through the team. Both sides had chances throughout the second half but failed to convert with some good defending. However, with a minute to go some very good hold up and link play from Eva Batuasol, allowed midfielder Kamal Guthmy to be slipped through and promptly slid the ball past the away keeper.

This was nothing more than the players deserved, they worked incredibly hard for each other and never gave up. All credit has to go to them. Youth Team Coach Andy McmiIlan added, “I have been delighted with the way they have gone about their business both on and off the field, we have some excellent back room staff who work tirelessly to make sure they are in peak physical condition.”

Next week the Youth Team face another tough test away to Brighton & Hove Albion.